Light aeroplane, Flying Flea or Pou du ciel, model HM-14, 'Blue Finch', designed by Henri Mignet, 1931, built by H J Dolman, complete with Douglas 750cc motorcycle engine and instruments. registration G-AEHM

The Flying Flea was designed by French furniture manufacturer Henri Mignet. It was intended to be simple enough to be built by the average man and to be flown by its builder without instruction. In 1935 the Air League of the British Empire published an English translation of Mignet’s book, and several hundred enthusiasts started to build Flying Fleas. This example was built by Mr HJ Dolman of Bristol, with a 750cc Douglas motorcycle engine. It was flown successfully on several occasions. After several fatal accidents, the Flea was banned by the Air Ministry in 1936 although later modifications produced a safe design.